CaringBridge update from Barb - 1:00 PM CDT

July 15, 2007

Saturday - Clean man walking.

Yesterday was a very good day. Ken walked more than he had since surgery and he

was even able to take a shower! It totally wore him out, but he said it felt

soooo good. No kidney dialysis, they are going to just watch and see how he does

without it. 3 weeks in bed has left him very weak, but he's working very hard.

Sunday - Another set back.

One of the doctors came in and said they are stopping the Plasmapheresis two

days early, he's finally done with it. We will be forever grateful for modern

medicine and the doctors who know how to use it best, this machine saved Ken's

life by exchanging his rotten plasma for donor plasma. Goodbye TTP! Thank you to

all blood and plasma donors, we were told that he was getting plasma from all

over the U.S., when they named several different states, my mind automatically

processed, which PSC group member lived in that state. Using between 12 - 20

pints each day (for 12 days), he surely went through more than his fair share,

not to mention the 15 -20 pints of blood he's used.

Overnight Ken's temp went up to 100.6 (family info - any temp over 100 is a big

deal for folks with transplants) and his white cell count jumped up too. They

took blood samples from 2 different sites, urine and sputum samples too. They

did a chest X-ray and attempted to do a CT scan, but Ken was in too much pain to

lay down flat. Dr McKenna to the rescue once again. Ken said they gave him

enough 'juice' to tame a bear and they were able to finish the CT, he's snoring

as I type. So we wait to hear what they find out, and what they plan to do about

it. The good news is - his new liver is doing great, all his LFT's remain normal

and he was able to start the new immune suppressant without any problems. They

stopped the Actigal over a week ago, I wasn't happy about that, but it's their

decision.

*Ruth* Hey girl friend....don't you dare feel bad, I didn't tell you, because I

figured you've been through enough without carrying our load. Your phone number

is at home, so send it to me in e-mail - can't say when (or even if) I'll call,

but promise to try.

*Dr Aubrey* Thank you for your e-mail message. Sorry to have to say this, but

you have been knocked out of the #1 spot by Dr McKenna. Not to worry, I now have

2 favorite doctors from Canada, but you were my first! ;-)

With love, Barb in Texas

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